The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) has selected three international telecom majors to conduct three-generation wireless (3G) cellular technology trials. The state-run firm will choose one of the three firms to develop its 3G technology.
France's Alcatel, Sweden's Ericcson and China's Huawei Technologies are conducting the field trials. Assessments will be completed in the next two months and the tender winner will be announced by the end of the first quarter of the year, reported Gulf News.
3G refers to near-future developments in personal and business wireless technology, especially mobile communications. This phase is expected to reach maturity between the years 2003 and 2005.
Alcatel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etisalat for the supply of a 3G/UMTS field trial network in Abu Dhabi. Under the terms of the MoU, Alcatel will deliver and install its complete Evolium 3G end-to-end solution including the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network radio systems including an UMTS base station and Radio Network Controllers, the core network systems, the associated multimedia equipment and terminals. The radio systems are developed and manufactured by Evolium, the joint venture between Alcatel and Fujitsu.
Etisalat will be able to use 3G mobile data and video communications in packet mode as well as Adaptive Multi Rate voice communications and videophony in circuit mode. Alcatel's UMTS solutions will enable Etisalat to test new high-speed/high-quality mobile multimedia applications such as chat, video streaming, MP3 music downloading, Web browsing, on-line gaming and multimedia Session Initiated Protocol calls between multimedia terminals.
Telecommunications in the UAE are dominated by state-owned Etisalat. It is the monopoly supplier of all major services - fixed-line, cellular, data communications, and the Internet - a control that is being extended to new areas such as satellite communications and CATV. Today, it is ranked as the number one company in the Gulf region in terms of turnover. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
